Mackay 'delighted' with Cup progress

County boss Malky Mackay was ‘delighted’ with his side’s performance as the Staggies ran out 7-0 winners against East Fife and topped Group C of the Premier Sports Cup.

“To score the amount of goals we did, to play in the fashion we did in the front of our home fans I was really delighted to finish off the group and actually finish off and make sure that we get through that last 16” said Mackay.

“Some clubs haven't been able to do that but we’re delighted that we were able to actually finish the job today”.

Some might argue they did more than just ‘finish the job’ with seven goals – five of which came in the first 20 minutes of the second half – in a barnstorming performance at the Global Energy Stadium.

Clinical County not only picked up the points needed to advance to the Round of 16, but had a number of players new to the squad get off the mark.

“I thought from the minute one we shifted the ball really quickly and we got into some really good positions and delighted for some of our new guys today in terms of the application, but also the clinical nature of what they did today”.

Though it was Victor Loturi, Ben Purrington, Jordy Hiwula, Owura Edwards and Kazeem Olaigbe on the scoresheet, the manager was just as thrilled with his side’s defensive work.

“I thought from the minute one we shifted the ball really quickly and we got into some really good positions and delighted for some of our new guys today in terms of the application, but also the clinical nature of what they did today.

“I think the back guys have got to be extra vigilant in terms of the concentration when it's days like that and their passes have to be crisp and their decision making with everything has to be just right.

“Ben Purrington made a great tackle in the first half in the six yard box, between him and the rest of the back four that played today to allow no shots on target was, was quite something, as a group we hunted in packs and we played as a real unit today”.

Mackay and County must now look ahead to their cinchPremiership opener with Hearts next weekend, but felt the League Cup was ideal preparation having faced Buckie Thistle, Dunfermline, Alloa and East Fife. But now into the knockout stage, the staff and players can be forgiven eyeing up cup success.

“It's that balance between getting games in all the players, getting minutes into everyone, during the League Cup, and actually it being competitive and meaning so much because you know, this is the last 16 of the League Cup in Scotland, which is a huge competition.

“It leads to Hampden and semi-finals. So there's an importance attached to this and at the same time, we've got an eye on next week in the start of the league season as well. So got to make sure that you balance that with everyone getting games and at the same time try to win the game”.